- Category
- Latest news
Mariupol Residents Expose “Fairy Tale” Russian Rebuild as City Remains in Ruins
- Authors
![Amira_barkhush]( "Photo of Amira Barkhush")
More than three years after Russia’s siege of Mariupol, the Kremlin says it is rebuilding the city. But residents still living under occupation report that large parts of Mariupol remain in ruins, casting doubt on Moscow’s reconstruction claims.
This was reported by BBC News Ukraine on June 30, citing Ukrainians living under occupation.
“What they show on Russian TV is a fairy tale for fools,” said Ivan, a local resident whose name has been changed for his safety.
“They repair building façades on the main streets where cameras are brought in to film. But just around the corner, there are ruins and emptiness. Many people still live in half-destroyed apartments with walls that are barely standing.”
-ee05b09c27b90b9d5afabb6f7e1e7951.png)
Mariupol fell to Russian forces in spring 2022 after weeks of relentless bombing. The UN estimates that 90% of the city’s residential buildings were damaged or destroyed, with thousands killed.
While pro-Russian bloggers post videos of clean facades and new sidewalks, locals say it’s a staged illusion.
“There are lies all around,” said 66-year-old Olha Onyshko, who fled Mariupol last year. “We had a beautiful city, but now it’s sick. I wouldn’t say the [Russian authorities] have rebuilt much. There’s a central square—only a few buildings there have been restored. And there are empty lots where buildings once stood. They cleared the rubble, but didn’t even recover the bodies. They just loaded them onto trucks along with the debris and took them away.”
The city reportedly still lacks basic services. Water is often only available a couple of days per week and is undrinkable. “The water is so yellow that even after boiling it, it’s scary to drink it,” said another resident, Denis.
The outlet added, citing residents, that electricity is frequently cut, food is expensive, and essential medicines are in short supply.
“Basic medications aren’t available. It’s hard for diabetics to get insulin on time, and it’s incredibly expensive,” Denys said.
The BBC contacted the Russian administration in occupied Mariupol regarding shortages and water supply but has not yet received a response.
On June 19, it was reported that Ukraine is starting to cover roads in the Sumy region, particularly in border communities, with anti-drone netting to hinder Russian aerial reconnaissance and protect supply routes.
